UPDATED: Crimson Tide crushes Gamecock streak

Alabama has been playing spoiler to the state of South Carolina in a big way this week.

Just two days after defeating Clemson in the National Football Championship, the Roll Tide took it to the South Carolina Gamecocks on the hardwood in a stunning 73-50 victory. Possessing a record of 15-0, head coach Frank Martin and company entered Wednesday’s matchup as one of just two undefeated teams in the country. On the other hand, Alabama, 0-2 in prior conference games, appeared to be an unlikely candidate to halt South Carolina’s upward ascent in the rankings.

For Alabama to pull off this upset, it would be paramount that they get production from up and down their entire roster. They found that in the red hot fingers of small forward Riley Norris. Norris was making his first start of the season. Norris made the most of his opportunity — he came out doing his best Steph Curry impression. The sophomore drained an incredible five shots from behind the arc in the first 11 minutes of the game, bringing down the house with each successive 3-pointer.

While Norris ignited Alabama’s first half charge, the Gamecocks did little to help their own cause. The Tide capitalized on their mistakes, converting 12 turnovers into 15 points. Heading into the locker room Alabama held a demanding 35-22 lead. South Carolina came out and made some much-needed adjustments; they even strung together a few small runs, but the offense never really clicked. They shot a dismal 35.8 percent from the floor and didn’t take care of the ball.

Martin was clearly disappointed with the team’s effort, but hardly shocked. “Bad day at the office,” Martin said. “I kind of saw it coming. The last two days haven’t been two of our better days.”

Bad days are unavoidable in such a long season, even for the elite teams. Still, how South Carolina lost is concerning. The offense that carried them earlier in the year has been more mediocre in conference play. In three SEC games, they are averaging 66.7 points, a far cry from their season average of 78.3.


Forward Michael Carrera was the lone star for South Carolina on the night. He recorded 14 points and hauled in 10 boards. While Alabama dominated in just about every facet of game, the night was all about Norris. He finished with 27 points, 24 by way of the 3 ball.

The Gamecocks will try to bounce back against the Missouri Tigers on Saturday at home at 1 p.m.